Bike Medina County blankets roadways with safety signage

There are now about 250 safety signs around Medina County reminding motorists to give bicyclists a minimum of 3 feet clearance on roads. Medina philanthropist Murray Van Epp recently donated funds for 100 more signs, said Beth Schnabel, president of Bike Medina County. "He's finding things he's passionate about," she said. "He tried for years to get signage to get people to slow down and give cyclists that clearance." Schnabel said it was the second time Van Epp donated funds to purchase signs. This time several cities and villages were included. Van Epp let her know that if there is a need for a third round of signs, he'd be willing to finance them. There are about 40 signs in Medina. It started with an order of about 150, mostly to townships in the county. Schnabel said she received a phone call from the York Township trustees, who asked if they could order 16 more signs that read, "Pass Bicycle Minimum Three Foot." Before she knew it, the signs were erected on county roads all over the county. "Cyclists will now have 100 more signs that remind motorists to give them as least 3 feet clearance when passing them on streets and roads," she said. Bike Medina County has offered six escorted casual rides this summer. The first Slow Roll ride was last week at Spokes Cafe, 406 S. Broadway St., Medina, which had a poor turnout due to the weather and COVID-19. She is hoping things pick up a bit for the June 24 ride, which is free with some stipulations. Schnabel said interested bicyclists can join Bike Medina County members at the following parking lots: June 24 — Bottom of the Lake, 4.4 miles, Granger Trailhead, 3733 Granger Road, Lake Medina, Medina County Parks. July 8 — West Buckeye Loop, 5.7 miles, The Pleasant View Baptist Church, 3589 Beat Road, Litchfield Township. July 22 — A Real Railroad, 5.2 miles, Medina County Career Center, 1101 Norwalk Road, Medina. Aug. 12 — East Buckeye Loop, 7.2 miles, Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, York Township. Aug. 24 — Little More Exercise, 11 miles, Chippewa Trailhead, 5700 Chippewa Road, Chippewa Lake, Medina County Parks. Slow Roll details • All riders assemble at 6:15 p.m.; rides start at 6:30 p.m. • All children younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent. • All riders must wear bike helmets and bright clothes. Gloves recommended. • All riders must have a water bottle. • Bicycles should have blinking white front lights and red back light. • All riders must sign the Slow Roll waiver. Bike Medina County's website is bikemedinacounty.weebly.com. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.